Apparatus for filling containers



May 21, 1963 u. NAECKER y 3,090,408

APPARATUS FOR FILLING CONTAINERS Filed July 19, 1962 May 21, 1963 u. NAECKER 3,090,408

APPARATUS FOR FILLING CONTAINERS Filed July 19, 1962 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 F7C-: a9 F75 l, 4 finitilllliillllllllllllilllifrlllJJflln 1| x May 21, 1963 u. NAECKER APPARATUS RoR FILLING CONTAINERS 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 Filed July 19, 1962 lmlww .IIHIIIIII E ilRRH lllll nulli ARR. WM /Mw IHIII SNN Illl w 'I'.l I. I HI! nml .nl .`.m\l||\ N 'wv m1, .M/ QM Q\ 1 A. A mr f Gm. Q. tu. vk um N am N I A M I A v .w N M Ir A um i, .w UN UN 0% Cou Ru n u R w mul N @u @W NPQ 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 May 21, 1963 Filed July 19, 1962 geve.

ldmz f fffff K United States Patent O 3,990,403 APPARATUS FOR FELLING CNTAINERS Uwe Naecker, Hamburg-Bergedorf, Germany, assigner to Firma (lrtmann 1&2 Herbst, Hamburg, Germany Filed July 19, 1962, Ser. No. 211,053 Claims priority, application Germany .Iuiy 20, 1961 12 Claims. (Si. 141-57) The present invention relates to an apparatus for filling containers with liquid under pressure, and more particularly to an apparatus which is used in an automatic filling machine for filling bottles with a liquid containing a gas.

In known machines of this type, an inlet tube and an outlet tube for gas are inserted into the container. When the filling of the container is completed, the air or carbonic acid is under pressure in the outlet tube, and when the space in the container above the liquid is vented, the air in the outlet tube expands into the liquid and causes foaming of the same. In order to prevent that the foaming liquid is discharged from the bottle or container it is necessary to fill the liquid in very cold condition, and to very gradually relieve the pressure in the filled container, which results in comparatively slow and uneconomical filling operations.

It is one object of the invention to overcome the disadvantages of known filling apparatus, and to provide an apparatus by which liquid under pressure can be filled into containers without causing foaming or turbulence of the liquid when the filled container is relieved from pressure and separated from the filling apparatus.

Another object of the invention is to release air and gas compressed in the outlet tube into the container at a level above the level of the liquid in the filled container.

Another object of the invention is to provide a simple and reliably operating filling apparatus constructed of a few parts.

With these objects in view, one embodiment of the invention comprises a tube which is inserted into a container or bottle for receiving the discharged air when the bottle is being filled, valve means forming a valve chamber having a lower inlet located at the desired level of a liquid in the container, and a higher outlet, a removable valve element, such as a ball heavier than the liquid and being movable between positions closing the inlet and the tube, respectively, and an open position, and a movable valve member having a normal position for blocking passage of air through the outlet and an actuated position permitting passage of air through the outlet.

During a filling operation, the liquid enters the container while the air and gas in the container escapes through the inserted tube, while moving the ball to the position in which the inlet of the valve chamber, and the tube are open. When the liquid raises to the desired level, the escaping gas produces a greater pressure and moves the ball to a position closing the outlet tube so that gas and air can no longer escape, and the ow of liquid into the container is terminated. Thereupon, the device is raised, and the supply of pressure liquid separated from the container so that the ball drops to a position closing the inlet to the valve chamber. When the space in the container above the liquid is now vented and connected to atmospheric pressure, the pressure in the valve chamber is greater than in the container, and the movable valve member responds to this increased pressure to permit passage of air through the outlet into the gas and air filled space in the container.

-In this manner, liquid having entered the valve chamber and air and gas are blown into the air space of the container where no turbulence is caused, whereas in accordance with the construction of the prior art, the gas, air and liquid were blown out at the level of the liquid and caused turbulence and foaming of the liquid.

appended claims.

In accordance with one embodiment of the invention the valve member is tubular and spring loaded so that the pressure in the valve chamber must overcome the spring pressure which normally holds the tubular valve member in a position in which gas and air cannot pass out of the outlet in the upper part of the tubular valve member.

In another embodiment of the invention, the valve member is a ring slidable on the outlet tube and normally closing the higher outlet of the valve chamber. When the pressure in the valve chamber is increased and higher than the pressure in the vented container, it moves valve ring to an actuated position opening the higher outlet of the valve chamber.

In a third embodiment of the invention, the valve charnber is formed by a tubular valve member which has a lower inlet, and a plurality of openings arranged in a circle and forming the higher outlet of the valve chamber. A valve ring is again provided which normally rests on the openings forming the outlet and closes the same. When the pressure in the valve chamber is increased, the valve ring is raised, and the air, gas and liquid having entered the valve chamber can escape through the higher outlet into the space in the container above the liquid level.

The novel features which are considered as characteristic for the invention are set forth in particular in the The invention itself, however, both as to its construction and its method of operation together with additional objects and advantages thereof, will be best understood from the following description of specific embodiments when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIGS. l, 2 and 3 are corresponding fragmentary sectional views illustrating three operational positions of a first embodiment of the invention;

FIGS. 4, 5 and 6 are three corresponding fragmentary sectional views illustrating three operational positions of .a second embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 7 is a cross sectional view taken on line 7 7 in FIG. 6;

FIGS. 8, 9, and 1() are corresponding fragmentary sectional views illustrating three operational positions of a third embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 11 is a cross sectional view taken on line 11-11 in FIG. 9.

Referring now to the drawings, and more particularly to FIGS. l to 3, a filling vessel 2 has a bottom 1 with a sealing ring 6 surrounding an inlet passage '3. A con rtainer `5 is pressed with the edge `of its neck against the sealing ring 6 so that liquid under pressure can flow out of the filling vessel 2 through passage 3l into the interior of the container or bottle 5. A venting conduit 3a cornmunicates with the inlet passage 3, and can be opened by a venting valve 3b, shown in FIG. 1, to establish communication between the inlet passage 3` and the atmosphere. Since the inlet passage is connected to the interior of the container 5, container 5` is also vented when the venting conduit 3a is opened.

The filling apparatus includes 'a tube 7 which is connected rby a tubular valve body 4 to an outlet tube 8. Valve body 4 has a valve portion lla cooperating with a seat in ibottom 1 of vessel 2 so that the inlet passage 3 which is open in the positions of FIGS. l and 2 can be closed =by Iraising the valve body 4 as illustrated in FIG. 3.

The means lby which tubes 7, `-S and valve body 4 are raised, and by which the container 5 is pressed against the sealing means 6 are well known, and for example, disclosed in the U.S. Patent 1,985,767.

Valve means are secured to the lower end of the outlet tube 8. In an embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 1 to 3, a first tube 9` is secured to the lower end of the outlet tube 8, While a second tube 1x1 has an upper flange portion 12 slidable along tube and a lower bottom p0rtion :13 formed with an inlet opening 14. The upper part of'inlet opening 14 is formed Vas a valve seat 14a, and the lower end or outlet tube 8 is stormed as a valve seat 8a. A spring 15 engages llange -1'2 and the upper end of tube 9, and urges valve member 11, 12, 13, 14- to the position illustrated in FIG. l in which the bottom part |13 abuts Athe lower annular edge of tube 9 to close the valve chamber in which a movable valve element, shown to be a ball ,10, is located.

Ball 10 is of greater specilic gravity than the liquid to be lilled into container 5, and will normally drop to a position resting on valve seat 14a and closing inlet A14, as shown in FlG. 3. The diameter of the inlet opening 14 is smaller than the diameter of ball 10, and corresponds substantially to the diameter of the outlet tube 8. However, the diameter of valve ball 10 is slightly smaller than the inner diameter of tube 9 so that an annular ga-p is formed between ball 1t? and the inner surface of tube 9, the thickness of the annular gap being of importance for the proper operation of the apparatus.

When lball 10 is in the position of FIG. 3 closing the inlet 14, high pressure in the valve chamber within tube 9 will urge valve member 11, 12, 13 downwardly against the action of spring =15, so that a gap |18` forms between the edge of tube 9 and the bottom portion 1'3 of the valve member. Consequently, fluid can escape from the valve chamber through gap- 18, and pass through openings 16 in the upper part of the outer tube 11.

A rfilling apparatus illustrated in FIGS. l to 3 is operated in combination with a conventional filling machine, not shown, in the following manner:

An empty container or bottle 5 is pressed against the vsealing ring `6 in the bottom of the lling vessel 1. Ball rests on valve seat 14a, Awhile spring 15 holds the valve member in the upper position shown in FIG. l in which the bottom 13 abuts the annular edge of tube 9 and blocks communication between the valve chamber in Vtube 9 and the outlets 16. First, the pressure in the interior of the container 5 must fbe equalizediwith the pressure of the gas in the gas space above the liquid 1n vessel '2, which is accomplished by opening a conventional valve 7a, shown in FIG. -1, at the upper end of tube 7 which leads to the gas space in the upper portion of vessel 2. Gas, such as air, or carbonio acid enters through tubes 7 and 8 the valve chamber, and since ball 10 closes the opening 14, the valve member is urged to its lower position shown in yFlG. 3, while spring is compressed. Consequently, air under pressure passes from vessel 2, through tubes 7, S, and 9, gap 18, the annular space between tubes 9 and 11, and iinally through the outlet 16 into the interior of the container 5.

When the same pressure prevails in the container 5 as in the valve chamber within tube 9, spring 15 raises valve member 11, '12, 13, 14 to the position shown in FIG. l so that communication between the valve chamber and outlets d6 is interrupted.

During the filling of the liquid from vessel Z into container 5, valve 4a is in the open position shown in iFlGS. 1 and 2 so that the liquid can ilow through lter 2a and inlet passage 6 into container 5.

The liquid entering container 5 displaces the air, and gas developed by the liquid, which passes through inlet 14, and tubesv 9, 8, and 7 into the gas space in the upper part of supply vessel 2. The gas has sucient pressure to slightly raise ball 10 and the gap between ball `10 and the inner surface of 9 is so dimensioned that ball 10` is only slightly raised to the position shown in FIG. 1,V but is not blown to the position in FIG. 2.

Inlet 14 is located at the desired level of the liquid in container 5. When the liquid has reached this level, a gas cushion is formed in the neck portion of the container, and the liquid has the tendency to enter inlet 14, and the valve chamber within tube 9. This accelerates the entry however, is diierent.

of the last gas and air passing through inlet 14 so that ball 1G is blown to its upper position shown in FIG. 2 in which it is seated on valve seat 8a, and closes the outlet tube 8.

The diameter of ball 10v is selected in such a manner that is performs the above explained function. If the ball 19 were too small, the increased force of the gas flow would not be suficient to blow the ball to the higher position shown in FIG. 2.

Since ball 10 closes outlet tube 8, the liquid cannot rise in outlet tube 8, although a small amount of liquid enters the valve chamber.

Since no air or gas can escape from container 5, no additional liquid can enter container 5, so that it is filled to the desired level determined by the position of the inlet 14.

The iilling device is now raised to the position shown in FIG. 3 in which valve 411 closes inlet passage 3. Ball 10 drops to the lower position resting on valve seat 14a.

A venting valve 3b, shown in FIG. l, is now opened in venting conduit 3a, so that the interior of container 5 communicates with the atmosphere, and the pressure above the liquid in container 5 drops, and becomes smaller than the pressure in tubes 7, S, and the valve chamber within :tube 9. This pressure is suicient to move valve member 11, 12, 13 downwards against the action of spring 15 so that gap 18 is formed between the lower end of tube 9 and the bottom portion 13, which permits air under pressure to pass from the valve chamber, through gap 18, the annular space between tubes 9 and 11, and linally through outlet openings 16 into the Vair space in the upper portion of container 5. The small quantity of liquid which entered the valve chamber during the preceding operation is thus blown out of the valve chamber into the air space in the container. Since the outlet openings 16 are located higher than the level of the liquid, the liquid is not disturbed, and no turbulence and foam is created in the liquid in container 5.

Consequently, the pressure relief can be carried out very rapidly, 4and the liquid can be lled in hot condition without the danger that the liquid is caused to foam and will be discharged when container 5 is separated from sealing means 6.

Since the upper space in container 5 is already vented through conduit 3a, container 5 can now be removed, and la new container placed in lling position abutting sealing means 6.

The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7 has the same general arrangement as the embodiment of FIGS. 1 to 3, `and corresponding parts are indicated by rthe same reference numerals. The construction of the valve means, A tube 9 is secured to the lower end portion of the outlet tube 8, and has a hexagonal outer surface, as best seen in FIG. 7. An outer tube 9" surrounds tube 9', and is secured to the longitudinally extending edges on the outer surface of tube 9 so that longitudinal passages 9a are formed which end at the upper ends of tubes 9' 4and 9". A valve member in the form of a ring 20 is slidably mounted on tube 8, and normally rests on the upper ends of tubes 9', 9, closing the outlets at the upper ends of passages 9a. The lower edge of tube 9 is permanently spaced from the bottom portion 13 and forms a gap 1S' with the same. The inlet 14 communicates with two inlet portions 14b which extend at angles Ito the longitudinal direction of inlet 14. Valve seat 14a is raised above the upper surface of the bottom portion 13. The embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 4 to 7 is used in combination with conventional lling apparatus, and operates as follows: An empty container or bottle 5 is pressed against sealing means 6 so that the interior of the container communicates through the inlet passage 3 with the lower portion of vessel 2 in which liquid under pressure is located. Valve ball 1t) is seated on seat 14a, and valve 4a is closed as shown in FIG. V6. Consequently, no liquid can enter into container 5, while tubes 7 and 8 communicate p .thrown into the air `An empty container with lthe air and gas space above the liquid in vessel 2 when a conventional valve, not shown, is opened at the upper end of tube 7.

Gas or air under pressure passes through gap 13 and passages 9a, so that the valve ring 20 is raised to the position shown in FIG. 6, permitting the gas to enter the interior of container 5. When no further gas owS through passages 9a after pressure equalization, valve ring 20 drops to the position shown in FIGS. 4 and 5. The apparatus is now lowered to the position shown in FIG. 4, so that liquid can flow from the lower portion of vessel 2 through inlet passage 3 into the container. The displaced air passes through the inlet 14, 14b and slightly raises ball so that the air can escape through tubes 9', 8 and 7 into the upper portion of vessel 2.

When the liquid has reached its desirel level in the region of the inlet 14, 14h, it tends to enter the inlet which causes the last air to rapidly pass through the inlet 14 and valve seat 14a so that the correspondingly dimensioned ball 10 i-s blown to the higher closing p0- sition shown in FIG. 5 abutting valve seat 18a and closing outlet tube 8. Since the air can no longer escape from container 5, no additional liquid flows from vessel 2 into container 5. When the device is raised to the position of FIG. 6, and the inlet passage is closed, ball 10 drops on to valve seat 14a. The venting valve, not shown, in conduit 3a is now opened, so that the interior of container 5 communicates with the atmosphere, and the pressure drops in container 5 below the pressure prevailing in vessel 2, tubes 7, 8, 9', and passages 9a so that the air and gas tend to escape through the outlets at the upper ends of passages 9a and raises valve ring 20 to the position illustrated in FIG. 6 permitting the gas to blow out any liquid, which has entered the valve chamber in tube 9', -through the outlets at the upper ends of passages 9a. Since the blown out `air and liquid are space above the level of the liquid in container 5, the liquid is not disturbed, and no turbulence or foam develops in the liquid.

Venting conduit 3a effects again a reduction of the pressure in container 5 to atmospheric pressure, so that container 5 can be removed, and replaced by an empty container.

The general arrangement of the embodiment illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 11 corresponds to the above described embodiments, but the valve construction is simplified. A tube 19 is secured to the lower end of outlet tube 8, and has in its upper portion a plurality of openings 19a arranged in a circle in `an inner flange portion of tube 19. '.l`he lower bottom portion 13 of tube 19 has two oblique inlet portions, and a central inlet 14 terminating in a raised valve seat 14a. The valve ball 10 is located in the valve chamber within tube 19, and is movable between a position resting on valve seat 14a, and a higher position abutting valve seat 8a and closing outlet tube 8.

The embodiment of FIGS. 8 to l1 operates in com bination with a conventional filling machine as follows: is pressed against sealing means 6 while ball 19 rests on valve seat 14a. Valve 4a closes the inlet passage 3 in the position shown in FIG. 11'). The conventional valve at the upper end of tube 7 is opened, so that air and gas under pressure enter the valve chamber, and pass through outlet openings 19a into the interior of container 5 while raising valve ring 20, as shown in FIG. 10. When the pressure is equalized, valve ring 29 drops to the position shown in FIG. 8.

The device is now lowered so that valve 4a opens inlet passage 3, and liquid under pressure flows into container 5 which causes the air to escape from container 5 lthrough inlet 14b, 14 whereby ball 10 is slightly raised as shown in FIG. 8. When the level of liquid reaches substantially the level `of the inlet 114, the last escaping air moves more rapidly through inlet 14 and valve seat 14a, and blows ball 10 to its upper position closing outlet tube 8. No further air can escape from container 5, so that the flow lof liquid into container 5 is terminated. The device is now raised so that valve 4a closes whereupon ball 10 drops onto valve seat 14a. The venting conduit 3a is now opened, and the pressure in container 5 is thus reduced. The pressure of vessel 2, however, still acts in tubes 7, 8 and in the valve chamber so that some `gas escapes through outlets 19a raising valve ring 20 to the position illustrated in FIG. l0, and blowing any liquid which has entered into the valve chamber out of outlets 19a into the air space above the liquid in container 5. In this manner, no turbulence or foaming is caused in the liquid, and container 5 can be removed from the machine without discharging any foam or liquid.

It will be understood that each of the elements described above or two or more together, may also find a useful application in other types of apparatus for filling containers with a liquid under pressure differing -from the types described above.

While the invention has been illustrated and described as embodied in a filling ydevice .permitting separation of a container from a filling vessel containing liquid under pressure without foaming of the liquid in the container, i-t is not intended to Ibe limited to the details shown, since various modifications and structural changes may be made without departing in any way from the spirit of the present invention.

Without further analysis fthe foregoing will so fully reveal the gist of the present invention that others can by applying current knowledge readily adapt it for various -applications without omitting vfeatures that, from the standpoint of prior art, fairly constitute essential characteristics of the generic or specific aspects of this invention and, therefore, such adaptations should and are intended to 'be comprehended within the meaning and range of equivalence of the following claims.

What is .claimed and desired to be secured by Letters Patent is:

l. In an apparatus for filling containers with a liquid under pressure, in combination, a tube adapted to project into a .container for receiving discharged air; valve means forming a valve chamber having a lower inlet adapted to be located at the desired level of a liquid in the container and a higher outlet, a movable valve element for closing said inlet and said tube, respectively, so that the pressure in said valve chamber is increased when said valve element closes said lower inlet, and a movable valve member having a normal position for :blocking passage of air through said outlet and actuated position permitting passage of air through said outlet and being responsive to the pressure in said valve chamber to move to said actuated position when the pressure in said valve chamber is increased whereby air is discharged from said chamber through said outlet into the space above Ithe level of the liquid in the filled container so that foaming of the liquid is prevented.

2. In an apparatus for filling containers with a liquid under pressure, in combination, filling means including an outlet tube having a lower end adapted to project into the container for receiving discharged air from the same; valve means secured to said lower end of said tube communicating with the same and having a lower inlet .adapted to be located at the desired level of liquid in the container and a higher outlet for air located above said level, said valve means including a movable valve element movable between an open position permitting air to pass yfrom said .container through said inlet and out of said outlet tube, a higher closing position closing said tube to terminate filling, and a lower closing position closin-g said lower inlet, and a valve member responsive to pressure and operable between a normal position blocking discharge from said higher outlet and an actuated position permitting discharge from said :higher outlet, said valve member moving to said 'actuated position in response to pressure in said valve means when said valve charge from said higher outlet, said valve element is in said lower closing position whereby air is dlscharged from said outlet into the space above said vlevel of lthe liquid in the tilled container so that foaming of the liquid is prevented.

3. lnan apparatus for lling containers with a liquid under pressure, in'combination, filling means including inlet control means movable between an lopen position for 'connecting the container to a source of liquid under pressure and a closing position disconnecting the source from the container, venting means for venting the container in said closed position, and an outlet tube having a lower end adapt-ed to project into the container for receiving discharged air from the same; valve means secured to said `lower end of said tube communicating with the same and having a lower inlet adapted to be located at the desired level of liquid in the container and a higher outlet for air located above said level, said valve means including a movable valve element responsive to ow of air through said inlet '-to move between an open position permitting air to pass from said container through said inlet and out of said outlet tube, a higher closing position `closing said tube to terminate tilling, and a lower closing position closing said lower inlet, and a valve member responsive to pressure and operable between -a normal .position blocking discharge from said higher outlet and an actuated position permitting discharge from said higher outlet, Isaid valve member moving to said actuated position in response to pressure in said valve means when said valve element is in said lower closing position whereby air is discharged Vfrom said outlet into the air lled vented spaced above said level of the liquid in the lled container so that foaming of the liquid is prevented.

4. ln an apparatus 4for iilling containers with a liquid under pressure, in combination, filling means including an outlet tube having a lower end formed with a first valve seat adapted to project into the container for re- -ceiving discharged air from the same; valve means secured to said lower end of said tube communicating with the same `and having a lower inlet formed with a second valve seat and adapted to be located at the desired level of liquid in the container and a higher outlet for air located above said level, said valve means including a movable valve ball heavier than the respective liquid vand disposed movable between an open position permitting air to pass from said container through said inlet `and out of said outlet tube, a higher closing position located on said second valve seat and closing said tube to terminate filling, and a lower closing position located on said first valve seat and closing said lower inlet, and a valve member responsive to pressure and operable between a normal position blocking discharge from said higher outlet and an actuated position permitting dis- -rnem-ber moving to said actuated position in response to pressure in said valve means when said valve ball is in said closing position whereby air is discharged from said outlet into the space above said level of the liquid in the iilled container so that foaming of the liquid is prevented.

5. In an apparatus for illing containers with a liquid under pressure, in combination, illing means including an outlet tube having a lower end adapted to project into the container for receiving discharged air `from the same; valve means including a tirst tube secured to said lower end of said outlet tube, a second tube yhaving an upper tube portion mounted for movement on said outlet tube and having an outlet, and a lower bottom portion formed with a valve seat and having an inlet communicating with said valve seat and adapted to be located at the desired level of liquid in the container so that said outlet is located above said level, a movable valve :ball located in said flirst tube and being responsive to pressure to move between -an open position raised from said valve seat and permitting air to pass through said inlet and out of said outlet tube, a higher closing position closing said outlet tube to terminate filling, and a lower closing position located on said valve seat to close said lower inlet, and spring means urging said second tube to a normal position in which said bottom portion of said second tube abuts the lower end of said rst tube to block discharge trom said higher outlet, said second tube having an actuated lower position permitting discharge from said higher outlet, and moving to said actuated position in response to pressure in said rst tube when said ball is in said lower closing position whereby air is discharged from said outlet into the space above said level of the liquid in the Jdlled container so that foaming of the liquid is prevented.

6. In an apparatus for filling containers with a liquid under pressure, in combination, filling means including an out-let tube having a lower end adapted to project into the container for receiving discharged air from the same; valve means including a rst tube secured to said lower end of said outlet tube, a second tube having a lower bottom portion formed with a valve seat and having an inlet communicating with said valve seat and adapted to Ibe located at the desired level of liquid in the container, said second tube being secured tor and forming passage means with said lirst tube, said passage means Ihaving an outlet located above said level, a movable valve ball located in said first tube and 'being responsive to pressure to move between an open position raised from said valve seat and permitting air to pass through said inlet and out of said outlet tube, a higher closing position closing said outletV tube to terminate lilling, and a lower closing position located on said valve seat to close said lower inlet, and a valve ring slidable on said outlet tube and having a normal position for blocking discharge from said higher outlet and an actuated higher position permitting discharge from said higher outlet, and moving to said actuated position in response `to pressure in said lirst tube when said `ball is in said lower closing position whereby air is ldischarged `from said outlet into the space above said level of the liquid in the iilled container so that foaming of the liquid is prevented.

7. An apparatus as set forth in claim 6 wherein said rst tube has a polygonal outer surface with longitudinal edges, the inner surface of said second tube abutting said edges, and the sides of said polygonal surface `forming said passage means with the inner surface of said second tube.

S. In lan apparatus for .lling vcontainers with a liquid under pressure, in combination, filling means including an outlet :tube having a lower end adapted to project into the container for receiving discharged air from the same; valve means including a valve member having a tubular upper part secured to said outlet tube and formed with an ou-tlet and a lower part formed with a valve seat and with -an inlet communicating'with said valve seat and adapted 'to be located at the desired level of a Iliquid in the container so :that said outlet is located above said level, a movable ball located in said tubular part and being responsive to pressure to move between an open position raised from said valve seat and permitting air to pass through said inlet and out 0f said outlet tube, a higher closing position closing said outlet tube to terminate tiilling of the container tand a lower closing position located on -said valve seat to close -sraid lower inlet, and a valve ring slidable on said outlet tube and having a normal position for blocking discharge from said higher outlet and an actuated higher position permitting discharge from said higher outlet, said valve ring moving to said actuated position in response to pressure in said valve member when said valve ball is in said lower closing position whereby lair is discharged from said outlet into the space above said level `of .the liquid in the lilled container so that foaming ofthe liquid is prevented.

9. An apparatus as set forth in claim 8 wherein said upper part of said valve member is an inner ange secured to said outlet tube and formed with a plurality of openings arranged in a circle -surrounding said outlet tube and constituting said outlet.

10. An apparatus as set forth in `claim 8 wherein said lower part of said valve member has a downwardly tapering bottom face and wherein said inlet has `a central inlet port-ion terminating in said valve seat and two downwardly inclined inlet portions opening on opposite sides `of said bot-tom face.

1l. In an apparatus for filling containers with a liquid under pressure, in combination, a ftube ladapted to project in-to -a container for receiving discharged air; valve means forming -a valve chamber having a lower inlet adapted to be located at the desired level of a liquid in the container and a higher outlet, a movable valve element for closing said inlet and said tube, respectively, so that the pressure in said valve lchamber is increased when said valve element closes said lower inlet, and a movable gravity operated valve member having a normal lower position ycovering said outlet for blocking passage of air through said Voutlet and actuated raised position permitting passage of air through said outlet and being raised by air passing through said outlet to move to said actua-ted position when lthe pressure in said valve rchamber is increased whereby air is discharged from said `chamber through said outlet into the space above the level `of the liquid in the filled container so .that .foaming of the liquid is prevented.

12. In .an apparatus for iilling containers with a liquid under pressure, in combination, a tube adapted to project into a `container for receiving discharged air; valve means forming a valve chamber having a lower inlet adapted to be located at the desired level yof a liquid in the container and a higher outlet, a movable valve element for closing said inlet and said tube, respectively, so that the pressure in said valve chamber is increased when said valve element closes said lower inlet, and a movable spring-loaded valve member having a normal higher position for blocking passage of air through said outlet and an actuated lower position permitting passage of air through said outlet and being responsive .to :the pressure in said valve chamber to move to said actuated position when the pressure in said valve chamber is increased whereby air is discharged from said chamber through said ioutlet into the space above the level of the liquid in the dilled container so that foaming of the yliquid is prevented.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,794,453 iGrosbois o June 4, 1957 

3. IN AN APPARATUS FOR FILLING CONTAINERS WITH A LIQUID UNDER PRESSURE, IN COMBINATION, FILLING MEANS INCLUDING INLET CONTROL MEANS MOVABLE BETWEEN AN OPEN POSITION FOR CONNECTING THE CONTAINER TO A SOURCE OF LIQUID UNDER PRESSURE AND A CLOSING POSITION DISCONNECTING THE SOURCE FROM THE CONTAINER, VENTING MEANS FOR VENTING THE CONTAINER IN SAID CLOSED POSITION, AND AN OUTLET TUBE HAVING A LOWER END ADAPTED TO PROJECT INTO THE CONTAINER FOR RECEIVING DISCHARGED AIR FROM THE SAME; VALVE MEANS SECURED TO SAID LOWER END OF SAID TUBE COMMUNICATING WITH THE SAME AND HAVING A LOWER INLET ADAPTED TO BE LOCATED AT THE DESIRED LEVEL OF LIQUID IN THE CONTAINER AND A HIGHER OUTLET FOR AIR LOCATED ABOVE SAID LEVEL, SAID VALVE MEANS INCLUDING A MOVABLE VALVE ELEMENT RESPONSIVE TO FLOW OF AIR THROUGH SAID INLET TO MOVE BETWEEN AN OPEN POSITION PERMITTING AIR TO PASS FROM SAID CONTAINER THROUGH 